There's more than meets the eye when it comes to vision care at CEENTA

At Charlotte Eye Ear Nose and Throat Associates, eye care goes far beyond your basic eye exams. CEENTA's experts offer comprehensive care for a variety of vision needs, and can provide medical and surgical care to address a range of eye issues.

Dr. Omar Punjabi is a board-certified ophthalmologist at CEENTA who specializes in vitreo-retinal diseases and surgery. During his time in medical school and beyond, he has received numerous awards and recognition for his work and research.

• Take note: According to CEENTA, ophthalmologists are specially trained in treating both common and rare eye and vision problems. Their additional training sets them apart from optometrists and opticians.

We asked Dr. Punjabi about himself and his areas of expertise.

Why did you choose this specialty?

"I enjoy the mix of complex pathology, challenging cases and excellent recent surgical and clinical outcomes that the retina specialty provides.

• I have the unique opportunity to form long-lasting relationships with my patients, have a busy but fulfilling lifestyle with a good work-life balance and the opportunity to make a significant difference to people's lives."

What conditions do you typically treat?

"Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, retinal vascular diseases, uveitis and ocular trauma."

Can you tell us more about treating Diabetic Retinopathy?

The background: Diabetic Retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness and vision loss in people with diabetes, and can lead to more serious conditions. In 2021, about 9.6 million people in the U.S. were living with Diabetic Retinopathy according to the CDC.

An expert take: "Diabetic Retinopathy is treated with a combination of good blood sugar control along with pharmacological treatment and newer lasers to control the retinal vascular damage."

• "These are in-office, minimally-invasive procedures that have dramatically improved the prognosis of these common blinding eye diseases. Most patients have a significant improvement in vision, which was not possible just a few years ago."

What brought you to Charlotte?

"My family moved to Charlotte right after my fellowship in Cleveland, OH in 2013. While we did not have any family in North Carolina, the primary purpose of the move was because CEENTA seemed like the best job fit for me and my family. The physicians and staff at CEENTA were like one big family and I wanted to be part of the welcoming culture."

What do you like to do in your free time?

"My family and I enjoy traveling, hiking, watching movies, trying out different restaurants and cuisines and I enjoy playing tennis!"

• Worth a mention: Dr. Punjabi also often volunteers his time to help uninsured patients in the Charlotte area as a way to give back to his community.

The takeaway: Your retina is an important part of your overall eye care. Visit CEENTA's website and call 704-295-3000 to schedule your appointment with a retina specialist.